The Epstein-Barr virus is a human herpes virus of the 4th type. Named after the English virologists Michael Epstein and Yvonne Barre, who first isolated this type of virus from the materials of malignant lymphoma, which is observed in some African countries.
How is the Epstein-Barr virus transmitted?
The Epstein-Barr virus is one of the most common viral infections, as it is very easy for them to become infected. It is believed that about 90% of people either carry the virus, or they have antibodies in their blood that testify to the disease transferred in childhood.
Most often, infection occurs by airborne or by domestic route, less often - by blood transfusion or sexual intercourse. The infected person isolates the virus and can become a source of infection within 18 months after the infection. Patients with infectious mononucleosis in the chronic stage are a constant source of infection.
Symptoms of the Epstein-Barr virus
In the case of primary infection, signs of the Epstein-Barr virus may not be present (asymptomatic course) or manifest as a respiratory infection. Most often, the virus is the cause of infectious mononucleosis. The incubation period of the disease is from 3 to 8 weeks.
Symptoms in acute form are the same as with any ARVI:
- temperature increase;
- angina;
- headache;
- pain in the muscles.
To specific symptoms that distinguish the disease caused by the Epstein-Barr virus from other SARS, it is possible to relate:
- an increase in lymphoid nodes;
- enlargement of the liver and spleen;
- defeat of the skin with herpes simplex virus;
- an increase in the blood of lymphocytes and monocytes.
In most cases, the acute form does not require specific treatment, and is treated in the same way as an ordinary cold disease.
Most often the disease with the Epstein-Barr virus does without consequences, the patient recovers or becomes a latent carrier of the virus. However, it is possible that the infection develops into a chronic recurrent or chronic acute form. In rare cases, it is possible to defeat the central nervous system, the development of jade, hepatitis.
What is dangerous Epstein-Barra virus?
Given the ubiquity of the spread, and also the fact that most people endure the disease at an early age without even knowing it, the question may arise: is the Epstein-Barr virus dangerous in general and what is the reason for such interest on the part of physicians.
The fact is that although the disease itself can be considered not dangerous and has no consequences, it is this virus that is associated with the development of a number of fairly serious diseases. Although in most cases the patient recovers, however, an acute infectious process can cause development:
- chronic infectious mononucleosis;
- chronic fatigue syndrome ;
- development of autoimmune diseases;
- development of oncological processes.
It is due to the fact that the development of some forms of cancer is associated with this virus, ignoring the symptoms of the disease and can be dangerous.
Diagnosis of the Epstein-Barr virus
Typically, the diagnosis is required in the development of chronic forms of the disease with the threat of complications, as well as in planning pregnancy.
To nonspecific analyzes, which can indicate both Epstein-Barr and another viral infection, include:
- General blood analysis. There is a slight leukocytosis, lymphomonocytosis with atypical mononuclears, in some cases - hemolytic anemia, possible thrombocytopenia or thrombocytosis.
- Biochemical blood test . An increase in the level of transaminases, LDH and other enzymes and proteins of the acute phase is revealed.
To determine the exact diagnosis in the presence of indicators, an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for the Epstein-Barr virus is performed.